The inspired comic book artist, Daniel Warren Johnson, showcased his work to the ACHS students during the annual Writer’s Week here at ACHS. He has created comic books for the companies like Marvel and D.C., has worked for the creators of The Walking Dead, and also drew for many breweries. Throughout his performance, he explains the source of his inspiration when creating comic books and why he loves his job so much.

“So, a writer will tell me a story that they are trying to tell,” Johnson said. “Whether it be a marvel comic or a dark horse comic, whatever kind of story it is, I am responsible for breaking it down into images and to make it clear to you, the reader, what the writers is trying to get across to you.”

Johnson began his performance by showing a picture of his work when he was a senior in college. The picture showcased his 15 foot drawing of experiences throughout his life. Another creation he showed was the front and back cover of a comic book to remember his mother in law. One tendency that Johnson has is when riding the train, he draws the people on the train. He has created many connections and meet many interesting people through his rides.

“I thought [Johnson] was a unique figure and his artwork was cool,” senior Joshua Sidare said. “Because he liked doing his art for a livelihood and he expressed himself in a geeky way.”

Johnson stressed the importance of clarity when drawing a story. When collaborating and working with others, Johnson likes to use digital drawing rather than using the traditional pen and paper; which he enjoys doing when drawing his own comics.

“The one thing I really like about working for other people is that I am not the only one who has stories that I want to tell, there are other people who want to tell stories,” Johnson said.

This particular comic artist was inspired by his first and second grade love: The Power Rangers. He began drawing certain Power Rangers for his classmates, and that is when he fell in love with the art. Even though he gets his inspiration from the Power Rangers, Johnson is looking for inspiration each and every day.